Dimapur, June 18 (EMN): Underlining the quality of a teacher, State Education minister, Yitachi, said it is not about degree but the sincerity and dedication in discharging one’s given responsibilities which will go a long way in moulding the lives of students to become responsible citizens.
He said this at a one-day sensitisation programme on implementation of Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) under Longleng district at Longleng town on June 16. The minister stated that MDM scheme is much more beyond providing meals to the children as it speaks volumes about many life’s values. He said it is not how much they get, but what they eat, how clean the food are, and how disciplined they are when food are being served. Yitachu recalled when some people had requested him to close down the MDM scheme after he took over the portfolio of the Education Department as the scheme was misused. Though initially he was shocked to hear that, the minister said he had conviction that there are sincere people who are concerned about the happenings taking place in the State and they wanted change in the systems.
Stating that MDMS implementation is one of the worst in the country, the minister said we need a change in the system. In this regard he has sought the assistance and support from all concerned to make it successful. Mentioning of encroachment taking place in government schools, he said time has come to stop all the evils and give chance to change.
Urging upon all the people present to discharge their duties diligently and support each other, give psychological encouragement to the students to go to schools and give positive comments to any programmes implementation, he said through such initiatives they can leave a legacy and create history.
Stating that MDMS implementation in Longleng is a pilot project, he called upon the public to make it a role model for other districts to emulate.
Denngan Avennoho Phom, Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, said no official complaint was received against the Mid Day Meal being implemented and requested the teachers and all the village level leaders to give support in making the programme a success.
Y Nuklu Phom, Executive Secretary of Phom Baptist Christian Association and chief functionary of the Phom Community Development Society- a development department under the PBCA, made a short power point presentation on the challenges and an overview of the scheme being implemented. He also screened a short video on the activities undertaken during the few months.
The minister also visited Hukphang village and witnessed meals being served to more than three hundred children. The minister also planted a tree marking the environment month.
Resource persons for the discussion session were Chubanungla, Deputy Director of DSE, and Khriekethozo Lhoungu, State Project and Nodal Officer (MDM) DSE.
Teacher In-charge of schools, members of village councils, village education board, pastors and deacons, leaders of all the apex bodies in Longleng district, and the staff of the Education department under Longleng district attended the programme.
